MLS on Loan: DC United's Casey Townsend bags brace as loanees steal the show in Richmond

It hasn’t taken long for the partnership between Major League Soccer and USL Pro to pay dividends, especially for those third-tier clubs featuring top-tier talent in their starting lineups.

Perhaps no team has been better represented thus far than D.C. United, and forward Casey Townsend led the charge this weekend with two goals for the Richmond Kickers. The Kickers notched a convincing 4-1 victory against the Charleston Battery, leaning on the services of on-loan defender Taylor Kemp as well as Townsend’s nose for goal. Former D.C. forward Joseph Ngwenya also scored for the Kickers.

Houston's Brian Ownby, also on loan with the Kickers, picked up an assist on Townsend's first goal.

Meanwhile, Sporting Kansas City affiliate Orlando City took on the Rochester Rhinos in a match ripe with MLS connections. Long Tan, who played previously with the Vancouver Whitecaps and D.C. United, got Orlando on the board first before Dom Dwyer, on loan from Sporting, put away the second.

Former Real Salt Lake forward Jamie Watson scored the third to seal the deal for the Lions, as the only blemish on SKC Homegrown goalkeeper Jon Kempin’s night was former D.C. and New England striker Blake Brettschneider’s chipped goal.

Elsewhere in USL Pro, a sparkling new soccer stadium hosted its inaugural game. The Pittsburgh Riverhounds played host to Philadelphia Union affiliate Harrisburg City Islanders at Highmark Stadium.

Union midfielder Christhian Hernandez sent in a left-footed cross to help set up the winning goal for the Islanders. Harrisburg remain on the road, traveling to face the Colorado Rapids reserves next Saturday.